A cloud of suspicion hangs over the investigation into last month's arson attack on Putco buses in Mpumalanga, following the mysterious death of a key witness. Phindile Melrose Mahlangu, a Putco driver who was injured during the coordinated attacks in Nkangala, died on 15 February at her home in Kameelrivier B, near Siyabuswa, after complaining of a burning sensation in her abdomen.
While Mahlangu was injured at the Thabana bus depot, where 17 buses were set alight, a security guard at the depot has voiced concerns that she may have been poisoned to silence her.
"She was okay, recovering well at home," the guard said. "We spoke almost every day after the attack, and she was looking forward to coming back to work. Then we heard that she had died moments after saying she was burning inside. Now we fear for other witnesses."
The security guard's suspicions are echoed by a fellow driver, who asked to remain anonymous. The driver stated that Mahlangu's death was not a result of the injuries she sustained during the attack, adding that she was, in fact, "recovering very well."
The driver further revealed that Mahlangu's stolen cellphone played a crucial role in the initial arrests made in the case. "It was her cellphone that was stolen during the attack that linked the first two suspects arrested a day after the attack," he explained. "Her phone, found in possession of one of the suspects, broke the case wide open. Her testimony was key in the case and now she is dead."
During the attacks, employees and security guards were held at gunpoint by a group of armed individuals who arrived at the depots in a Toyota Quantum, a Mercedes-Benz Vito, and a VW Polo. The attackers were reportedly dressed in black and wearing balaclavas. City Press previously reported that some employees were doused with diesel and threatened to be set alight if they did not cooperate.
The first suspects arrested in connection with the attack were identified as Isaac Mabena (29) and Luthando Skosana (37). They were found in possession of Mahlangu's cellphone and an empty 9mm pistol magazine. The duo later implicated Steven Sipho Mthombeni (27) and Mduduzi Luvuyo Masango (31), who were subsequently arrested and joined them in the dock at the Mdutjana Magistrates' Court.
Last week, all four suspects abandoned their bail applications, and the case was postponed to 10 April to allow for further investigations.
Lindokuhle Xulu, Putco spokesperson, confirmed Mahlangu's death, stating that they had "lost one of the victims due to the attack" but declined to provide further details.
Mahlangu, who had recently been promoted to supervisor, was laid to rest at Mogononong Cemetery on Sunday.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli confirmed that no murder charges have been filed against the arrested suspects at this stage. When questioned about how Mahlangu's death would affect the case, Mdhluli stated that "the matter of how the state prepares for the case cannot be discussed with the public."
The attack has been attributed to taxi operators who have allegedly been engaged in an intimidation campaign against Putco over disputed routes. However, the local taxi association has vehemently denied these allegations.
The mysterious circumstances surrounding Mahlangu's death have raised concerns that it could jeopardise the criminal case, as she was considered a key witness. A well-placed police source has confirmed that her death may complicate the prosecution's efforts. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are under pressure to determine the cause of Mahlangu's death and ensure that justice is served in the Putco bus attack case.
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